The coaching staff and fans of Al-Ittihad Club received unwelcome news just hours before kickoff, as it was confirmed that Saleh Al-Shehri , the team's striker, will miss the highly anticipated derby match against arch-rivals Al-Ahli. This fiery encounter is scheduled to take place at 10:00 PM this Friday in Jeddah, as part of the 25th round of the Saudi Professional League.
Details of Saleh Al-Shehri's injury and his statistics this season
The absence of Al-Ittihad's striker from this crucial match stems from his incomplete medical and physical readiness, as he is still recovering from a recent calf muscle injury. This injury occurred during his team's match against Al-Fateh in the nineteenth round of the league, necessitating an intensive treatment and rehabilitation program.
Looking at the statistics, the 32-year-old striker has participated in 19 matches for Al-Ittihad this season. During his 514 minutes on the pitch, Al-Shehri managed to score 4 goals and provide one assist, making him a valuable attacking option for the team, available both as a substitute and as a substitute depending on the flow of the game.
The Jeddah derby: A historical legacy and an unbreakable rivalry
The match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli holds immense significance, transcending the mere three-pointer; it represents the "Jeddah Derby," one of the oldest and fiercest derbies in the Arab world and the Middle East. This encounter carries a long history of intense rivalry between the two Jeddah giants, with their matches always characterized by fierce competition, excitement, and a massive fan presence that creates spectacular displays in the stands. This match is a source of pride for Saudi football, attracting widespread regional and international attention due to the caliber of the stars on both teams and the immense popularity of both clubs.
The teams' positions in the standings and the impact of absences
This match comes at a crucial time for both sides. Al-Ittihad enters the game in fifth place in the Roshan League standings with 42 points, striving for a victory to solidify their position and move closer to the top spots that qualify for continental competitions. Meanwhile, Al-Ahli is enjoying a strong run of form, currently sitting in second place with 59 points, just two points behind the league leaders (according to the current round's statistics), meaning they will enter the match with their sights set on the top spot. Undoubtedly, the absence of Saleh Al-Shehri reduces the attacking options available to the coach in such tight matches, which may require individual brilliance from the substitutes to unlock the opposing defense.
